Students

Safety Starts with You

Begin by taking responsibility for your safety and the well-being of others in your community. When going out at night, develop and follow through a plan with your friends for getting home safely. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If you or a friend ever needs help, call 911. The police want you to call.

Become familiar with all the resources the University offers to help you be safe in this Staying Safe Tip Sheet.

Are You Ready?

Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and could make all the difference when seconds count. You can take the following steps now to minimize the impact of an emergency:

Get a Kit – Gather personal emergency supplies in a portable container. Include unique items you may need, such as prescription medication.

Make a Plan – Plan whom you will contact, what you will do, and where you will meet in different situations.

Be Informed – Learn about the potential emergencies that could happen in the UVA community, the appropriate way to respond to them, and where to get up-to-date information.

Be Prepared to Act

Safety is the highest priority. Knowing what to do in an emergency is critical to your safety:

If you discover an emergency situation, call 911. Remain calm and use common sense.

Depending on the situation, evacuate or shelter-in-place.

Evacuate immediately upon request of authorities, upon hearing an alarm, or when remaining inside is dangerous or life-threatening.

Stay inside and move to an interior room if exiting the building is dangerous.

Make one phone call to let someone know you're okay and be brief; do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.

Protect yourself. Do not jeopardize your life or the lives of others by attempting to save any property.

Assist others, but do not exceed your training or knowledge when attempting to render first aid.

Follow instructions from authorities. Do not cross official police barriers without authorization.